A curated selection of Studio Ghibli's most acclaimed animated films excluding Spirited Away, highlighting the studio's diverse storytelling, breathtaking hand-drawn animation, and profound emotional depth. This list serves as a perfect entry point for new viewers or a deepening journey for seasoned fans, covering themes from environmentalism to coming-of-age adventures.
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A heartwarming tale of two young sisters who encounter forest spirits, including the iconic Totoro, in rural Japan. It remains the studio's global mascot and defines the quintessential Ghibli experience with its gentle humor and whimsical charm.
An epic fantasy masterpiece depicting the conflict between industrial humanity and ancient forest gods. With complex moral ambiguities and stunning action sequences, it stands as one of the highest-grossing films in Japanese history and a critical darling worldwide.
Based on Diana Wynne Jones's novel, this film features a young woman cursed with old age and a mysterious wizard in a walking castle. Its imaginative design and anti-war message have made it a modern classic of animation history.
A devastating and poignant drama following two siblings struggling to survive in Japan during World War II. It is widely regarded as one of the most powerful anti-war films ever made, offering a stark contrast to Ghibli's lighter works.
A coming-of-age story about a young witch starting her own delivery business in a charming coastal city. It captures the joy of independence and the challenges of growing up with a warm, nostalgic tone and vibrant visuals.
A colorful and imaginative tale about a goldfish girl who wants to become human after bonding with a young boy. Hayao Miyazaki utilized entirely hand-drawn animation for this film, creating a vibrant underwater world that delights all ages.
Ghibli's second feature film introduces a steampunk adventure involving a floating castle, sky pirates, and government agents. It establishes many of the studio's recurring themes and serves as an excellent starting point for understanding their narrative style.
A biographical drama inspired by the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Zero fighter plane. Miyazaki's mature, realistic work explores the intersection of artistic passion and the tragic realities of war in pre-WWII Japan.
A grounded, slice-of-life film about a shy girl who discovers her passion for writing while helping a boy pursue his dream of music. It offers a realistic and touching portrayal of adolescence, friendship, and creative inspiration.
Note: Excluded per request. This is the studio's highest-grossing film and Academy Award winner, focusing on a girl trapped in a spirit world.
Though produced by Topcraft before Ghibli's official founding, it is often included in their canon due to its thematic consistency. It follows a princess trying to prevent war in a post-apocalyptic world filled with giant insects.
A charming adaptation of Mary Norton's 'The Borrowers,' following miniature people living secretly under the floorboards of a human house. Its detailed miniature world and subtle commentary on coexistence make it a hidden gem in the Ghibli library.
Set in 1963 Yokohama, this film follows students working to save their school clubhouse from demolition. It combines historical nostalgia with a gentle romance, showcasing the studio's ability to handle realistic settings and period details.
A whimsical adventure where a girl is transported to the Cat Kingdom after saving a cat. With bright colors and a quirky cast, it serves as a delightful companion piece to 'Whisper of the Heart' with a more fantastical tone.
Based on Ursula K. Le Guin's novels, this film follows a young wizard searching for a dragon causing darkness. While less acclaimed than Miyazaki's works, it offers a distinct magical realism style and rich world-building elements.
A unique satire about raccoon dogs transforming into humans to stop the development of their forest habitat. It blends humor with environmental activism, highlighting the tension between nature and urban expansion in modern Japan.
Ghibli's first television film, focusing on love triangles and friendship during a student's final year. Its simplified animation style and intimate character study make it a distinctive, low-key entry in the studio's filmography.
A reflective drama about an office worker recalling her childhood while visiting the countryside. It masterfully weaves past and present narratives, offering a mature and nuanced look at memory, career choices, and personal growth.
A visually stunning film using watercolor-style animation to tell a Japanese folk tale. Its poetic storytelling and emotional weight mark it as one of Miyazaki's predecessors' final masterpieces, celebrated for its artistic innovation.
A silent, co-directed collaboration with filmmaker Michaël Dudok de Wit. It uses minimal dialogue and symbolic imagery to tell a man's life story on a deserted island, offering a profound meditation on nature, love, and existence.